Judy looked round the grim interior and shuddered at the memory of her stepfather’s sudden and unexpected assault. ‘We can’t stay here, Ma. This is a horrible place.’

Hilda was already on her hands and knees trying to coax the fire to light. ‘We haven’t any choice in the matter, love. Where would we go?’

‘I’ve heard that Lemuel Fox was a violent man, and he beat Jay when he was a boy, which is why he ran away to sea. Perhaps it’s this cottage that makes men violent.’

‘Well, if it is, we don’t have to worry because Wilfred will be far away from here by now.’

The words had barely left her lips when the door opened and Wilfred burst into the room. ‘I heard what you said, and you’re wrong. This is my home and you are my wife.’

Judy threw herself between them. ‘Leave my mother alone.’

‘She’s my property, just as this cottage is rented in my name. You can get out, you harlot, but Hilda stays with me.’

Judy picked up her mother’s walking stick and brandished it like a sword. ‘Touch me or Ma and I’ll beat you senseless.’

Hilda cupped her hands round her mouth. ‘Nancy Noon – fetch Constable Fowler.’

Chapter Nine

‘Have you gone mad, wife?’ Wilfred demanded furiously.

Hilda shook her head. ‘Nancy will have her ear to the wall. You’d better be ready to explain yourself to Constable Fowler.’

‘You’re my wife,’ Wilfred said through clenched teeth. ‘And she’s nothing but trouble.’ He advanced on Judy, his hands clenched into fists. ‘You can get out of my house or I’ll fetch you one.’

‘I’m not afraid of you.’ Judy spoke boldly and she stood her ground, but inwardly she was quaking. She was still sore and aching from her last confrontation with her stepfather.

Hilda rushed to Judy’s side. ‘Go to Colneyhurst, Judy. You’ll be safe there. Daisy will take care of you.’

‘I’m not leaving you here with him, Ma.’

‘Please go. He won’t hurt me.’ Hilda cast a wary glance in her husband’s direction. ‘Tell her, Wilfred.’

‘I’m no wife beater,’ Wilfred said sulkily. ‘But you tempted me, girl. You’re a brazen hussy.’

Hilda opened the door and a gust of cool air filled the stuffy room. ‘Go, Judy. I’ll be all right.’

Judy hesitated in the doorway, but Nancy Noon appeared suddenly and peered over her shoulder. ‘What’s going on? Shall I run and fetch Constable Fowler?’

‘No, it’s all right, ta, Nancy,’ Hilda said hastily. ‘Wilfred was larking around and he scared us, but we’re fine now.’

Nancy looked from one to the other. ‘He looks a bit cross. Are you sure he won’t beat you up the minute I turn me back?’

Wilfred uttered a growl and took a step towards Nancy, who hid behind Judy. ‘Get out,’ he bellowed, ‘and take that harpy with you.’

‘Go, please,’ Hilda pleaded. ‘I’ll be fine.’

‘I should do as she says,’ Nancy whispered in Judy’s ear. ‘I’ll keep an eye on things, or perhaps I should say I’ll listen, and the first sign of trouble I’ll be off down the lane to fetch the constable.’